| A number of countries are reporting cases of | | | | travelers to countries in Asia with documented |
| avian influenza, commonly referred to as "bird flu" | | | | H5N1 outbreaks to avoid poultry farms, contact |
| in their domestic and wild bird populations. The | | | | with animals in live food markets, and any |
| H5N1 strain of influenza causes severe disease in | | | | surfaces that appear to be contaminated with |
| domesticated fowl. In addition, there are | | | | feces or fluids from poultry or other animals. In |
| confirmed cases of bird-to-human transmissions | | | | addition, the Department has asked its embassies |
| of avian influenza in the South East Asia region, | | | | and consulates to consider preparedness |
| many of which have resulted in death. Please visit | | | | measures that take into consideration the fact |
| the WHO website, for the most up to date | | | | that travel into or out of a country may not be |
| information on the countries affected and the | | | | possible, safe or medically advisable. Specific CDC |
| number of deaths. | | | | travel information relating to avian influenza, |
| The vast majority of the known human cases | | | | including preventive measures is available at WHO |
| have resulted from direct contact with poultry, | | | | guidance related to avian influenza is available at |
| and there is only limited evidence to suggest | | | | A specific vaccine for humans that is effective |
| possible human-to-human transmission. The | | | | against avian influenza has not yet been |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | | | | developed. Based upon limited data, the CDC has |
| (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and | | | | suggested that the anti-viral medication |
| the Department are concerned about the | | | | Oseltamivir (brand name-Tamiflu) may be |
| potential for human-to-human transmission of this | | | | effective in preventing or treating avian influenza. |
| highly dangerous flu strain, and are working closely | | | | Using this input, the Department of State has |
| with other partners in an effort to monitor the | | | | decided to pre-position the drug Tamiflu at its |
| outbreak. | | | | Embassies and Consulates worldwide, for eligible |
| Concerns about the possibility of an avian | | | | U.S. Government employees and their families |
| influenza pandemic have prompted international | | | | serving abroad. Tamiflu may not be readily |
| and national efforts to institute pandemic | | | | available overseas and the State Department |
| preparedness measures. In keeping with the CDC | | | | encourages American citizens traveling or living |
| and the WHO guidance, the Department of State | | | | abroad that are interested in obtaining this |
| is working with its embassies and consulates | | | | medication to consult with their physician. There is |
| worldwide to prepare in the event of a pandemic. | | | | no provision for the U.S. government to provide |
| American citizens traveling to or living in countries | | | | American citizens traveling or living abroad with |
| where avian influenza is prevalent should consider | | | | medications, including in the event of a pandemic. |
| the potential risks and keep informed of the latest | | | | Americans who are planning travel to a country |
| medical guidance and information in order to make | | | | that has reported the virus or who are concerned |
| appropriate plans. | | | | about the Avian flu are advised to monitor the |
| The Department, the CDC and the WHO have | | | | CDC and the WHO web sites for the latest |
| not issued any travel alerts or warnings for avian | | | | information. |
| flu-infected areas. However, the CDC advises | | | | |